The malling of mid -America
Abstract
The decline of central business districts as a result of the appearance of the enclosed shopping mall in America's large metropolitans had a deep effect on the economical, social, and political issues of these cities. Research on the impact of these malls in medium-sized towns has been minimal. However, these towns have also suffered decline and social and political difficulties. This research studies the possibility that shopping malls have had the same effect on medium size towns as they had on larger cities. Research for the project focused on one specific city, Terre Haute, Indiana. An historical review of the city, the effect of urban renewal and the interstate highway system, and the appearance and growth of shopping centers, i.e., a mall, were studied through local interviews and newspaper articles and development projects. Also studied was the unique reputation and political structure of Terre Haute and the impact, if any, those issues also had on the decline of the city's central business district. As a result of this study of the unsuccessful attempts of Terre Haute's business and political leaders to prevent the decline of downtown it was concluded that dependence on a development plan produced in 1959 was influential in the failure to recognize events which were harming the city's retail center. In addition, the welcome of an increasing number of shopping centers on the town's periphery influenced the failure to recognize downtown Terre Haute's problems. By the time Honey Creek Shopping Center was fully functional, downtown Terre Haute had reached such a level of decay that only a massive, intensive renovation project could have saved it. This effort was not forthcoming. Despite this ineffectiveness, the true cause of downtown Terre Haute's decline as the city's retail center was due to Honey Creek Shopping Center. Terre Haute is only one medium-sized city with an enclosed mall, but studies conducted for similar cities lead to the conclusion that the appearance of enclosed shopping malls had the same effect on medium size towns as on America's large cities.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Teaford, Purdue University.
Subject Area
American history
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